Uses. Diltiazem is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and prevent chest pain. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Side Effects. Drug information provided by: IBM Micromedex. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Dental Implications for Patients Medicated With Calcium Blockers Verapamil and diltiazem compete with macrolide antibiotics for the same family of metabolizing enzymes in the liver—CYP3A4. Elevated levels of macrolides may result in cardiac toxicity related to prolonged QT intervals. Diltiazem is used to prevent chest pain. It may help to increase your ability to exercise and decrease how often you may get angina attacks. Diltiazem is called a calcium channel blocker. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. It works by affecting the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, diltiazem relaxes the blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload. Hypertension is a chronic illness affecting more than a billion people worldwide. The high prevalence of the disease among the American population is concerning and must be considered when treating dental patients. Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment Calcium channel blockers cause gingival hyperplasia in approximately 1% of patients. There have been fewer reports with diltiazem than with other CCBs. 1 Oral Health Fact Sheet for Dental Professionals Adults with Congenital Cardiac Disorders Congenital cardiac disorders are imperfections or malformations of the heart existing at, and usually before, Name /bks_53161_deglins_md_disk/diltiazem 01:27PM Plate 0-Composite pg 3 3 Canadian drug name. Genetic Implication. Applies to diltiazem: compounding powder, intravenous powder for injection, intravenous solution, oral capsule extended release, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release General The most commonly reported side effects include edema , headache, and dizziness.